Mayfly

The table is finally done!

I cleaned and waxed the base of the table and all of the wood on the chairs, and then started sanding the top. I sanded, and sanded, and sanded... all through spring break. I sanded while the children pulled each other in the wagon up and down the sidewalk. I sanded while I should be making dinner. I sanded until I sanded through the veneer in a few spots. Oops! There were (still are) funny bubbles in the surface, I suppose where water got under the veneer at some point in its past. After seeing the plywood underneath peek through in those few areas, I took it much easier, giving up on smoothing the bubbles out completely. Then I stained the top and finished it with two coats of oil-based polyurethane. So it's not entirely smooth, but I think it still looks really good.

I also recovered the chairs. After much pondering, I just couldn't find a fabric that I thought would be durable enough, so I went with black vinyl. It has a leather look and is fancy enough without being too slick.

This new table is not perfect, but I'm embracing it. It sits right in the center of our home, hosting homework and projects and coffee dates and book club meetings, and even the occasional meal. I don't want to be scared to use it for fear of messing it up.

It feels a bit more imposing than our old table with the higher chair backs and sturdy design. I've got an idea for a table runner- a strippy patchwork kind of thing- to soften it up just a little, and some washable fabric coasters to keep in a little basket to protect the veneer from more moisture bubbles. The old table moved to the kitchen, and looks pretty good in its new home (a post for another day?).

I'd been on the lookout for a new table for quite some time, and this project including all the supplies came in for under $200. I'm so glad it's done. And I'm so thankful that Chris found it for me! I love it.

Posted by Alicia at 1:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (10)

My friend Chris spotted a very danish-modern table at a thrift store near her. It was a bit of a drive, but the kids and I rushed out in my dad's truck to get it the next morning. I've had my eye out for an affordable table for awhile, and this one was the perfect style, had two leaves and six chairs and the price was GREAT.

I've been working on it all week. I can't wait to have a show and tell when I'm done!

Posted by Alicia at 11:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

for the growing girl.

N and I spruced up her room last week. Nothing drastic, just small changes. Since it was so tidy in there this morning, I thought I'd share. I got the little side table for a couple bucks at a thrift store and she picked the color- sweet pea pink. She really needed something by her bed to keep her class of water and a lamp. This entire room is thrifted or second-hand, even the bedding. And so frilly, happy, girlie! The little desk and vanity chair are from Good Ju Ju. Local friends, go there- it's really fun. The vanity mirror was my great-aunt's freshened up with the same pink.

I included the photo of the stretching pup because it gives you a good idea of how small her room really is. That rug is 5 x 7 feet. We have to be diligent about cleaning up toys in there or it becomes overwhelming very quickly. Actually, most of her toys moved out which instantly made her room look so much more grown up.

She loves it, and that's all I wanted.

Posted by Alicia at 8:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (13)

There's been a lot of chit-chat going on lately about thrifting, so today I thought I'd share a few of my thrifting tips. Perhaps you'll find them useful, or at least familiar. If I had to guess, I'd say that 90% of our clothing and housewares are second-hand items. I love to thrift!

What I love the most about going thrifting is the possibility of a really good bargain. It's like cheating but in the best way. When something fantastic appears (like these clogs), it makes all the effort of buying second-hand worthwhile.

Tip #1. Limit the field.
I have two thrift stores (well, maybe three) that I love the most. They are close to me, I know their hours, and I know their strengths. My very favorite store sorts clothing by size AND color. Yes. My second favorite always has good, cheap linens and a different sale each day of the week.

Tip #2. Check in often.
Every time I drive by my favorite thrift store, I stop in for a couple minutes. I cruise quickly through my key areas (shoes, boys clothes, housewares, linens) and I usually leave empty handed. I only hunt for clothes for Brian and myself when I'm child free and have a little time. N gets TONS of hand-me-downs, the lucky girl. I never shop for her.

Tip #3. Know what you're looking for.
I keep a list- sometimes in my head and sometimes on paper- of things I'm looking for. Rachel recently did this with photos from her J. Crew catalog. Smart cookie. I also keep a little piece of paper in my wallet with the measurements of our tables in case I run across a good tablecloth.

Here's what's on my list now: a little basket for the top of the basement stairs to catch dirty tea towels and stinky socks (found one this morning- that's it just above), a long but slim neutral sweater to wear belted (found it today- Mark Shale, cashmere blend- woo hoo!), a pair of nice khaki chinos (like these navy ones), classic penny loafers for myself, a coat for J (to replace the thrifted North Face coat he lost- boo hoo.), a v-neck sweater for Bri, a cute little vintage clutch purse (now that I've seen Rachel's.)

I also keep a running mental list of things for which I'm always watching: jeans and pants for J, white layering t-shirts, vintage tablecloths and napkins (my one real weakness), shoes for Brian, books.

Tip #4. Be picky.
This is a hard one. Look for good name brands and designers that you like. I know that Gap and Banana Republic pants usually fit me well, so I keep an eye out for those. But if it's a great brand but has seen better days- pass. it. by. Try on clothes! Be critical of the fit. Try on shoes. (Some people are scared of shoes, but I'm not. If they are in good shape with little wear, I'll get them. I wash them well with soapy water and spray the inside with Lysol.) Look for cracks and chips in dishes. Ask to plug things in to see if they work.

Tip #5. Don't be too picky.
Keeping all the parts of the last tip in mind, know your skills. Small rips in seams can be repaired. Buttons can be updated. Skirts can be shortened. Dresses can be altered into smock tops. Oxyclean is a miracle worker. I've gotten many a stain out of clothes and linens. Wool sweaters (even ones that say dry clean only) can be hand washed and laid flat to dry. Leather loves saddle soap and mink oil.

Tip #6. Be creative about sources.
Thrift stores aren't the only way to buy second hand. Craigslist rocks. So does the free section of the classifieds. Garage sales are cool, but occasionally people have a sentimental attachment to stuff and inflate prices. Church sales are awesome in the housewares department. Have a clothes swap with friends. Don't be ashamed of hand-me-downs. Large item pickup days and dumpster diving is cool- not embarrassing.

Tip #7. Don't go overboard.
Personally, I have found a direct correlation between clutter and overabundance of crap and feeling frazzled and depressed. No matter what it is, ask yourself again and again, "Do I really need this?"

Happy thrifting! (and weekending too.)

Posted by Alicia at 1:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (13)

to dumpster dive.

Yesterday I went downtown to see a guy about a lens (no that's not code for something more!) and I ran across these really cool chairs in someone's trash. We have a similar set for our basement, but the other night the Christmas tree tipped over and water spilled everywhere, seeping slowing through the hardwood floor into the shop downstairs, slightly damaging the seat of one.

So when I ran across these covered in snow yet undamaged, I knew: it was meant to be.

Posted by Alicia at 10:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (18)

It's grey actually- cold and grey, but here's a little green to brighten things up:

•a gift from my mom. A super-groovy fondue pot. I love it.

•working on Melissa's square for the VQB. It is real, real bad. Now don't start saying it isn't- this picture is flattering. It. is. UGly.
Back to the sketch pad.

And speaking of brightening, (knock, knock) the sun might peek through this afternoon!

Posted by Alicia at 9:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)

Thrifted books from 1963 that I picked up yesterday for a quarter each. They're very olde time (and that is pronounced oldee timee.) Normally I don't even look at the mess o' books, but these were in a neat little stack off to the side and I couldn't resist. I behaved- they were all I got.

Maw Maw (Brian's mom) got this pumpkin dress at the Scholar Shop where she volunteers. It isn't all that well made but it is handmade and I like that. Plus it's so darned cute on her. I wish I had the pattern. I'd make her a few more.

Buying second hand makes my heart happy.

p.s. Several of you asked about the "financial guy" that I mentioned yesterday. I think I might do a little quick post on that soon. It's a put-your-money-where-your-mouth-is kind of thing. ; )

Posted by Alicia at 3:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)

An old thrifted dress that felt a little too short and a little too dated becomes a preppy, tunic-y top. I opened the side seams and shortened it about 4 inches. It's much better now.
(We like to call ourselves frugal, not cheap.)

I was trying to avoid the awkward standing against the wall head-cut-off self portrait, and in the process mastered the dorky holding the camera in the (dirty) mirror shot. The trouble I was having getting a good photo caused the sour expression. More restyled clothes are in the works. A skirt is fixin' to become a smocky thing. If I can figure it out.

Have a great Tuesday!

Posted by Alicia at 11:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (21)

A trash pile work table + a coat of cheap (ReStore) paint + good helpers = a happy mama.

Spring is really agreeing with me. We're checking off so many items on our outside to-do list: clearing out all the beds, raking leaves, sprucing up the patio, re-staining and painting outdoor furniture. There's plenty left to do, including making a raised bed for a small vegetable patch. J and I want to grow tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and a few herbs. This is the first time we've planned a garden in several years and I don't want it to overwhelm us. I'd love for it to be a family activity and a fun learning experience for all.

I've got lots on my inside to-do list this week too: sew new throw pillow covers for the couch, pack and mail a few overdue parcels, do a bit of Spring cleaning. Plus I'm dying to make some clothes for myself. Have you seen what Julie has been making? This little tunic is gorgeous. And this is adorable- I love the puffy sleeves. I'm so inspired to make a shirt or two. Just for me and just for grins. I hope it goes well 'cause I'm all about happiness right now.

Posted by Alicia at 4:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)

Don't you just love finding secret messages? I do. Such sweet little surprises.

Garage saling in St. Louis, we found this tiny vintage (school?) table with three chairs and hauled it all the way home so it could gather dust in the basement for a couple of years. Yesterday I brought it up, wiped it down, and shored up the wobbly legs. When I opened the drawer on one end, this drawing was hiding inside.

I thought about it for a long time. Who drew it? Did they love someone or were they just doodling? Where are they now? Then this morning I remembered these.

These are on the underneath side of our dining table, which we purchased at a garage sale in our old neighborhood before we were even married. The one on the left makes me smile. The arrow points to one end of the table where someone would sit. Here's how it plays out in my mind: someone shy had a boy over and planted the message beforehand. She arranged for him to sit in that spot and the whole time they worked on their science project, she knew, that her love was secretly declared to him. (It could have happened!)

But the secret messages I find most often are in my sketch book when I leave it down low. Scribbly little faces. Wonky train engines. The name of a tiny boy who is learning to read and write. I don't mind one bit. They make me smile too.

Have you ever found any messages like these?

Posted by Alicia at 2:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (12)

Can these shoes be back in style, please? I found them at a thrift store this weekend. I LOVE them, and they're surprisingly comfortable.

I wanted these or a pair of wooden clogs when I was in the third or fourth grade, but my mom wouldn't let me have either. She said I'd break my arm. When my friend Wendy Scott got some clogs and tripped going down the stairs, guess what she did. She broke her arm. It didn't help my case one bit.

I found quite a few nice thrifted things this weekend. One is even a big piece of furniture that needs some love. The problem is I love the thrift store a little too much. I find great used things, most of which we need or can use, but I've been going overboard lately. Our fabulous summer is winding down. We've taken several vacations and spent a little too much. Suddenly I'm feeling the need to pare down and tighten the ship. With the arrival of a new season and the beginning of the school year, I want simple. Less clutter. And I'm dying to finish some of the things we've started. Fall cleaning- it seems to be a new trend. Today is the office/workroom.

We've also set some new spending rules and a few of them will affect my blog-life. First, I'm putting a temporary moratorium on swaps. I love them, but those little projects and postage can add up. Next, I'm self-imposing a Use What You Have period for the rest of August and all of September. I have plenty of projects to work on and my fabric stash has been slowly growing. I bet I could cover every surface in the house with patchwork.

And I just might.

Posted by Alicia at 11:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (30)

I am so incredibly tickled at all the people who commented on my 100th post. Thank you so much! And if you haven't yet, be sure to, so you'll be entered for the apron drawing. (Ahem- that's means you- my St. Louis friends and family!)

My mom and I found this tiny rocker at a garage sale just now. It's perfectly N sized. I love second hand stuff for many reasons. First, the "mystery history". How many babies have plopped down into this seat? The more the merrier! Second, fixing up something and giving it a new life is thrilling. My thought here is to clean it, paint it, and make a little cushion. I'm envisioning a simple little patchwork number. Third, you just have to love a great deal. $2- Can't beat that!

This week I've been crushing pretty hard over some teeny tiny things. So fun and fascinating. But I've never even had a dollhouse. Until now! At the same garage sale we found this suitcase style dollhouse. There aren't many rooms, but it has a working door and garage door and already J has set up shop making roads leading up to it with painters tape and is busy driving cars in and out. I'm tempted to sand it a little and paint it up, all gingerbread-house-like. It's kind of nice just plain how it is too. Clean it up a little and be done. Hmmmm.... I can't decide. Either way, it's a baby step into the dollhouse world. Not to overwhelming.

And just so you know, I'm taking a long break from the computer next week because we have some fun family plans. I'm sure I'll be twitchy for the first day or two, but then it will be nice. I'll be back next Monday. So this means I probably won't even be publishing comments. But PLEASE feel free to leave them, especially to enter the drawing! I'll announce the winner on Monday, July 3rd.

Thank you again for dropping by and hanging out!

Posted by Alicia at 1:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (11)

Every once in awhile, J will come whispering in our ears, "Should we build a fire tonight?" and Brian rarely misses the chance. He's got a thing for fires, and he seems to have passed the trait to his son. So when J asked tonight, it seemed a fitting way to end a perfectly fine Father's Day.

Several years ago, Brian was driving to work. (If you haven't checked out the ReStore link over in the sidebar, you should. There are ReStores all over the country and they are so very cool.) Anyway, passing someone's trash pile, he noticed a big 1970's fireplace complete with screen, hoisted the huge thing into the back of the car and took it. He gave it to the store to sell. Later in the day, he described it over the phone as "something you'd lay in front of on a green shag rug, listening to your Hi-Fi." o. k.

The next day I was down at the store looking at something unrelated and saw it. I flipped out! "Don't we need this for our patio- for an outdoor fireplace?!" He yanked it off the floor, explained to everyone that he was un-donating it and that was that. We've been hanging out in front of it for years. It's absolutely perfect. The tall flue directs the smoke up above your head, and the golden-rod yellow is very retro hip. It is hands down our best trash pile find ever. And we have many of those such finds in our home.

So tonight we made a fire in Sputnik, as we have named her, as our homemade ice cream churned. J could hardly wait for it to finish, and my Dad and Mom came over for a bowl. Mmmm... nice Father's day.

Posted by Alicia at 8:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (17)

I found this fabric for 50¢. Cute, no? Is it vintage? I don't know how to tell. I looks kind of 1970's to me. I think it will make a cute little dress for N from a simple pattern that Tasha sent me.

And this piano was $5. It is so sturdy and cute and makes that great plinky plunky sound that all tiny pianos should make. N played with a few minutes, and then I sat precariously on the wee stool and played for a good twenty minutes all by myself.

I watched my sister's youngest daughter, Jill, today. Here are the babies dining alfresco. The weather has been downright perfect for a couple of days, and I am finding it hard to go inside. See my MSL laying open on the quilt behind them? That's my spot.

Happy Monday, everyone!

Posted by Alicia at 12:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)

Just a quick Corner today, nothing spectacular, but we're really feeling the need to appreciate our family around here this week. These are pictures of my babies when they were both new. N is on the left, J on the right. They were each about 3 weeks old.

Here is one other picture I took today. Thrifted goodness: a dress for the funky fabric, and some adorable, fancy French baby shoes ($2) The brand is babybotte- I looked them up and they go for about $50. I'm feeling good about that deal. They are size 24, which I think is about a 7. I can't imagine her feet ever being this big, but these kids do grow quickly!

Also, if I put this in writing, it might help me get it all done. Here's the stuff I've been working on this week:

designing new tags
redesigning my business cards
still hunting for fabric tags
ordered a rubber stamp of my mayfly logo from Office Max (only $13!)
finishing up a little something for a not-so-little someone
laundrypalooza (too bad it isn't as much fun as it sounds.)

Posted by Alicia at 12:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)